Raphinha scored a second consecutive hat-trick as Barcelona came from behind to beat Sevilla 3-1 at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán on Saturday, maintaining their perfect start to the La Liga season.
Gatekeepers News reports that Sevilla took a surprise lead in the 19th minute when Youssouf Fofana headed home from Felix Correia’s cross. Barcelona responded three minutes later, with Raphinha cutting inside before sending a low finish into the bottom corner.
The visitors returned from the break with greater control, and Raphinha completed the turnaround seven minutes into the second half. Lamine Yamal delivered a cross into the area, which the Brazilian forward headed beyond goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos.
Raphinha completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute after Yamal released him behind the Sevilla defence. The Barcelona captain calmly lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to seal the victory.
The treble took Raphinha’s La Liga tally to 12 goals from seven league appearances. He has now scored consecutive hat-tricks after also scoring three times in Barcelona’s 7-2 victory over Racing Santander earlier in the week.
The Brazilian has also scored twice in the Champions League, taking his total for the season to 14 goals across competitions.
The victory means Barcelona have won all seven of their La Liga matches this season and remain perfect across all competitions. The champions moved six points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table, although Madrid were due to face Atletico Madrid in Sunday’s derby.
Barcelona also confirmed before the match that Raphinha is set to remain at the club until 2030, with sporting director Deco saying the Brazilian’s contract renewal was advanced.
Coach Hansi Flick praised Raphinha’s contribution, noting that the forward has adapted well to playing as a central striker. He also acknowledged that Sevilla presented Barcelona with their toughest test of the season so far, particularly in the first half.
